By Adesakin Adefemi
The Lagos government has issued a stern warning to actress Sarah Martins, threatening prosecution if she continues to cook and distribute food on road medians.
This is the second time the government is cautioning her over this issue, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance charity with regulatory compliance.
In a statement via X on Saturday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos commissioner for the environment, acknowledged Martins’ intention to help the needy but emphasized that preparing and sharing meals on roadsides and other public areas violates Lagos regulations.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” Wahab said.
The commissioner noted that cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses significant safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns, and urged Martins to stop the activity in public spaces and instead carry out her charity through approved channels to avoid legal consequences. “The health and safety of citizens are paramount, and we cannot compromise on this,” Wahab stressed.
This warning comes months after Martins was first cautioned against cooking on road medians in October 2025, following a controversy involving officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI). The actress has been a vocal advocate for social causes, but her methods have sparked debate among Lagos residents and authorities.
Wahab urged Martins to desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos to avoid apprehension and prosecution. “If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that your efforts can support vulnerable people without violating existing laws and constituting an environmental nuisance,” he said.
The Lagos government expects everyone to be law-abiding, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city. Martins has been advised to comply with the regulations to avoid facing prosecution, and her actions will be closely monitored by the authorities.
The Lagos government has been cracking down on environmental offenders, and this warning is part of its efforts to maintain a clean and safe environment. “We will not tolerate any actions that compromise the health and safety of our citizens,” Wahab warned.
The incident highlights the need for individuals to comply with regulations and work with authorities to achieve common goals, rather than taking matters into their own hands. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that citizens and authorities work together to create a sustainable and livable environment.
The case has sparked a wider conversation about the role of charity and social activism in urban spaces, and the need for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that good intentions do not compromise public safety and order.
